Veins are the primary route for gravity-assisted blood flow. Veins are normally closed and compressed by valves, which prevent the backflow of blood to the lower parts of the body. Unfortunately, veins can become blocked or damaged due to injury or disease, resulting in varicose veins or spider veins, which are typically small, red, and symmetrical in appearance. If you have any vein-related problems, a vein specialist Lakewood Ranch can help. Since Spider veins are fairly common, you need to learn the cause and treatment options.
The common causes of spider veins include;
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, can cause spider veins to appear. The hormonal changes may also cause varicose veins to become more noticeable or cause the blood vessels in your legs to dilate, making you tired.
Genetic syndromes: Some people are born with blood vessels prone to developing spider veins. You may have a family history of these varicose and spider veins, or you may have a condition that causes these varicose and spider veins to form on your legs.
Connective tissue diseases: Spider veins are usually caused by connective tissue diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, or polymyositis. The underlying cause of the disease must be identified and treated before you can expect to see improvement in your spider veins.
Treatment options
Sclerotherapy
This procedure uses a syringe to inject a solution into the weblike veins. It is quick, effective, and safe. The treatment can be repeated as often as necessary to improve your appearance. There is no downtime after sclerotherapy; you may resume activities immediately after the procedure. Sclerotherapy is more effective than other types of vein treatment in improving the appearance of spider veins over time.
Laser therapy
This is the most common treatment for spider veins. It involves using a laser to destroy the blood vessels and reduce the appearance of your veins. This may be a good option if you have severe spider vein problems because it can be done quickly and easily. As long as you’re in good health, it is not very painful, although some people experience mild discomfort during or immediately after the procedure.
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses heat energy to destroy diseased blood vessels. Your physician will inject an anesthetic into your vein and then insert an RF probe with a heat-controlled tip through an incision on your thigh or lower leg. The probe delivers heat to destroy the tiny vessels within your vein until they are gone. This procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes and requires no stitches or special bandages.
Spider veins are common and one of the most common types of vein abnormalities. Spider veins usually occur on the legs but can also appear on the face or arms. This condition becomes more pronounced as you continue to age. If you’ve had spider veins for decades and they only get worse with time, it may be time to consider seeing a doctor about treatment options for your condition. For more information, contact Florida Lakes Surgical professionals.